HANDBOOK OF GRADUATE STUDY PSYCHOLOGY

Transcription

1 HANDBOOK OF GRADUATE STUDY IN PSYCHOLOGY California State University, Los Angeles Department of Psychology 5151 State University Drive Los Angeles, CA (323)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 ADMISSION TO GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS WHOSE BACCALAUREATE IS NOT IN PSYCHOLOGY FACULTY MEMBERS AND THEIR AREAS OF INTEREST AREAS OF ACADEMIC CONCENTRATION MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE THE MASTER DEGREE PROGRAM Application Process Mentoring MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE: MARRIAGE, FAMILY THERAPY OPTION APPLICATION PROCEDURE MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE: FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY OPTION STEPS TO BECOME A CLASSIFIED GRADUATE STUDENT GRADUATE CORE REQUIREMENTS: ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY THESIS OR COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 10.1 THE THESIS OPTION (PSY 597 AND PSY 599) 10.2 THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAM: (PSY 596 & PSY 598 FOR MFT STUDENTS ONLY) SPECIAL CONDITIONS Course Substitutions Leave of Absence Scholastic Probation The Seven Year Rule Application for Graduation (Degree Checks) DEPARTMENTAL APPLICATION FORMS

3 California State University, Los Angeles Dear Applicant: Thank you for inquiring into the Psychology Master s degree programs at California State University, Los Angeles. We appreciate your interest in considering our institution to continue your education. This Handbook contains basic information on our graduate programs and procedures helpful in guiding you to successfully realize your academic goals. We hope that your academic career at CSLA will offer you many new intellectual challenges and rewards in the pursuit of your personal goals. In addition to a variety of formal academic experiences available in psychology classes Psi Chi, our chapter of the national psychology organization and the Psychology Club provides students with a number of activities that should be of interest to you. You can find out about these opportunities and other department activities by inquiring at the Psychology office, King Hall, Room C310 or visiting us at our webpage at The careful planning of your academic program is an important first step toward ensuring your success at California State University, Los Angeles. Once accepted into the University we suggest you meet with your mentor to help plan your academic program. We ask that you make an appointment at your earliest convenience through the department office (King Hall, Room C310) or by calling (323) The quarterly deadlines for application to the university are listed in the University catalog. If you have further questions do not hesitate to call us at the number listed above. Sincerely, Fary M. Cachelin, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Psychology 3

4 Master s Degree Checklist General Steps in Completion of the Master s Degree in Psychology 1. Apply to the Department and the University for admission (See Section 13.0). 2. If you do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology, meet with graduate advisor to determine courses needed, and take required prerequisites. 3. Once admitted to the University, you begin taking 00 level courses; no 500 level courses may be taken until official program is filed.. As soon as possible, meet with your mentor to fill out official program for classified standing. Bring a copy of your transcripts to all meetings with your mentor. 5. Complete core requirements (See Section 9.0). 6. Take WPE before end of 2nd quarter. 7. Continue to take courses on official program. Submit course substitution form (GS-5) for any changes in your program. 8. Apply for Advancement to Candidacy (form GS-10) after completing 16 units with a GPA of 3.0 or better. 9. After completing coursework, enroll in PSY 597 Graduate Research (thesis proposal) or PSY 598 Graduate Directed Study (Comps preparation for MFT only), depending on option. (See separate information, Section 10.0, on completion of Thesis and Comps.) 10. Complete Thesis or Comps and receive degree.

5 California State University, Los Angeles INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE PROGRAMS The Department of Psychology offers a Master of Arts degree. The department also offers a Masters of Science degree with options in Forensic Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). 1.0 ADMISSION TO GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN PSYCHOLOGY 1.1 Persons applying for entry into the graduate program in psychology must also be admitted to the department. Application forms for the University may be obtained from the Admissions Office (SA 101), a community college or another California State University. 1.2 The Psychology Department application form should be returned to King Hall, C310 with transcripts of all previous academic work. 1.3 Entering students must have an undergraduate degree in Psychology or its equivalent from an accredited institution and have achieved a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or above in the last 90 units of undergraduate work at an accredited institution. 1. Foreign students must apply to and be accepted by the University before they can apply to the Psychology Department. Further information can be obtained by contacting the International Student Services (ADM. 127, ext.3170). 1.5 Special Action Admission. Students who wish to enter the psychology department and do not meet the requirement of admission with a gpa of 2.75 or higher must petition the department s Graduate Studies Committee for a Special Action admission. Students are required to accompany their petition to the Committee with the following materials: a. Record of passing the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) required of all CSLA postbaccalaureate students. b. A letter of intent specifying their goals and the rationale for considering their admission to the department, including what circumstances have improved their potential as a graduate student beyond previous performance. c. Three (3) letters of recommendation from professional sources that are familiar with their academic ability or general performance indicative of ability to succeed in an academic setting. d. A letter of support from a department mentor 5

6 Upon receipt of this information, and not before, the Graduate Studies Committee will review their petition. If acted upon favorably, the Committee will assign a minimum of 16 units of upper division qualifying coursework to be completed with a 3.0 GPA before beginning the official Master s degree program (see Classified Standing, Sec. 8). The student should apply for Special Action at least one quarter before they expect to apply credit for this qualifying coursework. 2.0 STUDENTS WHOSE BACCALAUREATE IS NOT IN PSYCHOLOGY 2.1 Students who do not have a bachelor's degree in Psychology at the time of admission must complete units with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Specifically, the following prerequisites (or their equivalents) must be completed before beginning the Masters program. Whenever possible, credit will be given for equivalent course work taken elsewhere. Please note: coursework taken at a community college does not apply to upper division psychology requirements. A. Each of the following: Psy 202 Descriptive Statistics in Psychology... (5) Psy 302 Inferential Statistics in Psychology... (5) Psy 30 Research Methods in Psychology... (6) Psy 308 Theories and Systems... () B. Two of the following: Psy 10A Abnormal Psychology... () Psy 10B Abnormal Psychology... () Psy 12A Developmental Psychology... () Psy 12B Developmental Psychology... () Psy 18A Personality... () C. Two of the following: Psy 01 Physiological Psychology... () Psy 21 Learning & Behavior... () Psy 22 Social Psychology... () Psy 23 Motivation & Emotion... () Psy 2 Cognitive Psychology... () Psy 25 Sensation & Perception. () Psy 33 Cognitive Development. () 6

7 FACULTY MEMBERS AND THEIR AREAS OF INTEREST Theodore S. Bell Teaches cognition, language, sensation and perception; quantitative methods. Fary Cachelin Teaches developmental psychology, behavior disorders in children, experimental psychology, personality psychology and introductory psychology. Research interests in clinical psychology with particular emphasis on eating disorders and developmental psychopathology. Desdemona Cardoza Teaches courses in women s issues in psychology. Research focuses on symbolic racism, psychosocial predictors of achievement among Latino college students, and issues related to sexual harassment. Ramani Durvasula (rdurvas@calstatela.edu) Teaching interests include abnormal, clinical and health psychology. Research interests have focused on neuropsychiatric effects of HIV on men and women among ethnic minority communities and related health behaviors. Mitchell Eisen (meisen@calstatela.edu) Teaching interests include introductory psychology, personality psychology, psychopathology, learning and memory, personality assessment and family therapy. Research focuses on impact of trauma and stress on abused children, memory and suggestibility and coping strategies of maltreated children. Joel Ellwanger (jellwan@calstatela.edu) Teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in physiological psychology and statistics. Research interests include cognitive neuroscience, including the study of attention and memory through the use of physiological indices of cognition. Gaithri Fernando (gfernan2@calstatela.edu) Teaching interests include abnormal psychology and clinical psychology, personality, and developmental psychopathology, as well as clinical and neuropsychological assessment. Primary interests are in posttraumatic stress in the context of war and extreme traumas such as torture, bomb blasts, and assassination attempts. Alicia Izquierdo-Edler (aizquie@exchange.calstatela.edu) Teaches experimental research methods, physiological psychology, and motivation and emotion. Primary interests are cognitive and behavioral neuroscience and animal models of decision-making and reward-related processes. Robert Kenninson (rkennin@exchange.calstatela.edu) Teaches cognitive psychology. Kimberly King (kking3@calstatela.edu) Teaches courses in clinical, abnormal psychology, introductory psychology, psychology of prejudice, and other special topics in psychology related to ethnicity, class and gender. Research centers on individual and environmental differences that influence how people perceive and cope with discrimination.

8 Eric Kohatsu Teaches courses in research methods, clinical/counseling, human sexuality, cross-cultural psychology. Asian American psychology and cultural issues in mental health. Research focuses on racial identity issues, race relations, and the psychosocial effects of racism. Brigitte Matthies Teaches neuropsychology, clinical assessment, psychotherapy, family therapy and behavior management. Jean Phinney Teaches courses in developmental psychology, multicultural issues, and research methods. Research focuses on the role of ethnicity in adolescent development, particularly ethnic identity. Pamela Regan Teaches social psychology and univariate and multivariate statistics. Research focuses on interpersonal attraction, gender, and sexuality. Heidi R. Riggio Teaches social psychology, statistics and Theories of personality. Henry Schlinger Teaches courses related to the M. S. degree in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) option, including Single-Case Research Design (PSY17), Psychology of Learning and Behavior (PSY 21), Introduction to Analysis of Behavior (PSY 28), and the graduate eminar in Learning and Behavior (PSY 500), Seminar in Applied Behavior Analysis (PSY 528), and Seminar Conceptual Issues in Behavior Analysis (PSY 538). Kaveri Subrahmanyam Teaches courses in introductory psychology, life span development, developmental psychology, cognitive development, adolescent development, and intro statistics. Research focuses on youth and digital media such as the Internet (e.g., MySpace, Facebook), and Spanish-speakers' learning of English

9 DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAMS 3.0 MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE 3.1 The Master Degree Program Acceptance into the graduate program is a two-step process that begins with application for acceptance to the University. Persons applying for entry into the graduate program in psychology must first be admitted to the University. Application forms for the University may be obtained from a major library, community college, another California State University or on-line at the CSLA homepage. The Psychology Department offers a mentor-based graduate Masters of Arts degree program. Students are encouraged to contact a faculty member in the area of research in which they are interested before applying to the University. Positions in the department are limited and acceptance into the program depends on students finding someone on the faculty who will agree to serve as a mentor. Acceptance by a faculty member as a mentor is required for admission to the department (See Application Form). The Master of Arts degree in psychology is a rigorous program designed to develop research and conceptual skills for students whose primary interest is in continuing their education in a doctoral program. A key feature of the program is a close mentoring relationship with a faculty member who oversees the student's progress toward his or her individual research goals Application Process Students will need to submit an application by April 10 th of any given year for consideration for the following September. Students are responsible for providing all materials to accompany their application and only complete applications will be processed. Applicants will be notified of their status following their submission. In addition to materials required for admission to the University, students will need to submit (a) Two letters of recommendation, (b) a statement of purpose, and (c) application form for the Masters of Arts degree. (See Section 13.0) Students are required to have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 to be eligible for the Masters of Arts degree program. Students with a GPA below 2.75 will not be considered Mentoring Students who are admitted to the graduate program will be assigned to a mentor, for advisement and program planning. The mentor supervises the student's completion of the program, but mentors can be changed if a student's interests change and an alternate is available. Students' specific requirements to meet individual academic needs are developed in conjunction with the mentor. 9

10 .0 MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE: MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY OPTION This program meets the educational requirements for state licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist as set forth by the State of California. Our program is designed to be completed in a minimum of two years. However, the applicant should be aware that before being eligible to sit for the State licensing examination a candidate for the MFT license must acquire 3,000 hours of acceptable supervised experience in a state approved settings in addition to completing the educational requirements. Of the entire 3,000 hours of required supervised experience, the State requires that a minimum of 1,500 hours be acquired after receipt of the Master's Degree with an option in Marriage and Family Therapy. Further, no credit can be given for experience gathered prior to enrollment in an acceptable MFT educational program. Credit towards the pre-master s degree hours may be gained through participation in the courses on Directed Clinical Practice, PSY 585. Additionally, the State prescribes that the total 3,000 hours of acceptable supervised experience may not be accrued in less than 10 weeks (two complete years). Therefore, the applicant who looks forward to MFT licensure must anticipate a commitment of three and onehalf to four years from entry into this program to eligibility to sit for the State licensing examination. The Psychology Department admits a maximum of 15 new students a year to our MFT program. Admission is in the Fall Quarter only. The MFT Program of the CSULA Psychology Department is responsive to cultural diversity. We are committed to sensitivity and equity in education and service to members of all groups. It is expected that students accepted to the program will share this commitment..1 Application Procedure An applicant to this program must apply to both the Psychology Department MFT program and to the Graduate Division of California State University, Los Angeles. The applicant should be aware that Department and University deadlines are not identical. Students choosing this option should first apply to the Department (See Section 12.0) and once accepted, then apply to the University. ACCEPTANCE BY THE UNIVERSITY DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE BY THE PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT MFT PROGRAM. A completed Departmental Application must be on file in the Psychology Department by February 1st, for consideration for the following Fall Quarter. A completed application includes the following:.1.1 OFFICIAL transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work sent directly to the Psychology Department. Additional official transcripts may be required by the University. These transcripts must show evidence of: a. A Baccalaureate degree with a major in Psychology (See Section 3.0 for non-psychology major requirements) and b. At least a 3.0 grade point average (on a scale of ) in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units of academic courses. 10

11 .1.2 THREE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION. It is suggested that at least one of these letters come from a professor who can evaluate the applicant s academic strengths and weakness. A letter from someone, such as a supervisor, who can evaluate any counseling or field work experience is also desirable, as is a letter from someone who can comment on the personal attributes of the applicant and his/her suitability for clinical work..1.3 COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM (See Section 13.0) FINAL DETERMINATION OF ACCEPTANCE TO THE MFT PROGRAM will be based on a personal interview with faculty and student members of the Psychology MFT Program. Interviews will be conducted with those applicants (a) whose files are complete by deadline date, and (b) who remain under consideration following evaluation of the materials listed above. The purpose of this interview is to attempt to assess the applicant's maturity, potential strengths and weakness as a clinician, ability to withstand and benefit from personal criticism, and motivation to successfully complete the requirements for an MFT license. 5.0 MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE: FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY OPTION The M.S. in Forensic Psychology option is designed for students whose primary interest is in working or studying in areas of psychology that intersect with the Criminal Justice system. A key feature of the program is a close mentoring relationship with a faculty member who oversees the student's progress toward his or her individual career goals. All students begin their program in the fall quarter and take several core courses together. The program offers an M.S. degree and consists of 52 units of course work, which includes a 9 month practicum where students receive hands on training and on site supervision in a forensic setting related to their individual interests and career goals (e.g., Rape crisis center, Department of Children and Family Services counseling center, the Dependency Courts, the Sheriff's Department, prisons, probation). The program emphasizes theory and research, while providing practical training in the areas of assessment and treatment that will prepare them for their entree to the marketplace after graduation. The course of study is designed to accommodate both students who plan to progress on to doctoral study as well as students who wish to enter the field as Masters level practitioners. 5.1 Students will need to submit an application for the Forensic option by April 1 st of any given year for consideration for the following September. Students are responsible for providing all materials to accompany their application and only complete applications will be processed. Applicants will be notified of their status by July 1 st following their submission. In addition to materials required for admission to the University, students will need to submit materials for admission to the Forensic Psychology Option through the Department of Psychology. 5.2 Students are required to have a Baccalaureate degree with a major in Psychology and a grade point average(gpa) of 3.0 to be eligible for the Forensic Option. Non-majors in Psychology should refer to Section 2 for further details. Students with a GPA of 2.75 to 3.0 must present evidence that they are committed to and qualified for graduate work. This evidence could include (but is not limited to) relevant experience, or GRE scores with an Advanced Psychology Score of 550 or higher. Students with a GPA below 2.75 will not be considered. 11

12 5.3 To be considered for enrollment in the Fall, students will need to forward the following materials to the Psychology Department by April 1 st (1) Official transcripts; (2) 3 letters of recommendation; and (3) A one to three page statement of career goals and objectives (Double spaced, 12 point font). Students may also submit GRE scores (general and/or subject tests) to support their application, although the GRE is not required for admission to the program. Please note that the University has it's own deadlines and requirements independent of the Psychology Department that also must be met to be considered for Fall admission. 5. Interested students should contact the Department of Psychology at California State University Los Angeles (323) , or contact the program Director, Professor Mitchell L. Eisen at (323) Professor Eisen can also be reached via at meisen@calstatela.edu. 6.6 CURRICULUM IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PREREQUISITES (29 units) PSY 150 Introductory Psychology () PSY 302 Inferential Statistics in Psychology () *PSY 10A Abnormal Psychology () *PSY 18A Introduction to Theories of Personality () CRIM 126 Concepts of Criminal Law () *CRIM 30/PSY 11 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology () *PSY 11 satisfies Departmental requirement "B" and PSY 10A & PSY 18A satisfies Departmental requirement "C" (See General Catalog ,pg.605). REQUIRED COURSES (36 units) PSY 6 Psychology and the Law () PSY 531A Individual Testing and Case Study Techniques () PSY 531B Individual Testing and Case Study Techniques () PSY 595 Field Experience in Psychology (12) CRIM 501 Seminar: Administration of Justice () CRIM 511 Principles of Research () CRIM 530 Theories and Perspectives () ELECTIVES IN PSYCHOLOGY/CRIMINAL JUSTICE (12 units) Select 8-12 units of electives coursework in consultation with advisor to complete 52 units required for the degree. PSY 90 Human Memory () PSY 512 Behavior Disorders in Children () PSY 2 Cognitive Psychology () PSY 5 Community Psychology () CRIM 11 Interpretation of Evidence in the Courtroom () CRIM 512 Quantitative Applications () THESIS () PSY 599 Thesis () 12

13 MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE: APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS OPTION The Departments of Psychology and Counselor Education jointly offer options in Applied Behavior Analysis. Both options are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis. In Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis is an optional curriculum in the Master of Science program. It is comprised of 57 quarter units, including courses offered by both Departments. The option is designed to develop specialized professional competence in the application of behavior analysis to counseling, and to the education of normal, autistic and developmentally disabled children. The curriculum also prepares interested students for doctoral training in this, and related areas. Application The application must be accompanied by a brief, but complete, letter of intent containing a personal summary of your interest in Applied Behavior Analysis, your plans for specialization, and any experience you have had in this area. Also, submit two academic letters of recommendation and official transcripts attached to your application. Deadline for student applications is March 1st. Notification of application status will be by September 1st. In addition to the requirements for application to the University and the Department, completion of the MS program in Applied Behavior Analysis requires a personal interview with members of the Departments of Psychology and Counselor Education for placement in the required fieldwork component of the program. To insure that this eligibility is established, and will not prevent completion of the program, students are strongly advised to complete this interview as part of the process of application. The interview is conducted jointly by members of the Departments of Psychology and Counselor Education, and may be arranged by contacting Dr. Hank Schlinger in Psychology. The interview should be completed before any class work is begun. Career Planning After receiving a notice of acceptance to the program, students in Psychology should contact Dr. Hank Schlinger as soon as possible for guidance in developing plans for doctoral study or employment. Core Courses In Psychology Psych 17 Single case design Psych 21 Learning and behavior Psych 28 Intro. to Behavior analysis Psych 500 Seminar in Learning and behavior Psych 528 Seminar in Behavior therapy Psych 595 Fieldwork in Psychology

14 Psych 597 Psych 599 Graduate research (Thesis preparation) Thesis In Counseling CE 06 Behavioral counseling and intervention CE 501 Behavioral analysis in school and agencies CE 502 Adv/Behavioral management in Schools CE 50 Applications of behavior analysis to education CE 593 Practicum: Consultation and staff development

15 California State University, Los Angeles Program Worksheet for the Master s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis GRE Scores WPE Name SID (Last) (First) Middle) Address Home Phone: ( ) (Street) City Work Phone ( ) (City) (State) (Zip code) Baccalaureate from: Major GPA Date received Undergraduate core required for Entry into the graduate program Qrt. Units Transfer Institution Transfer Course # Grade PSY 202 Statistical Methods* 5 PSY 302 Statistical Methods 5 PSY 30A or B Experimental Psych 6 PSY 308 Theory & Systems *Students with no statistical background should take Psych 202 prior to taking Psych 302. Minimum of two courses from each of the following blocks: Block A: PSY 10AB Abnormal Psych PSY 12AB Developmental Psych PSY 18A Personality Block B: PSY 01 Physiological Psychology PSY 08 Animal Psychology PSY 21Social Psychology PSY 22 Social Psychology PSY 23 Motivation & Emotion PSY 2 Cognitive Psychology PSY 25 Sensation & Perception PSY 33 Cognitive Development Total Units: GPA: Qtr. Units Met Needs Qualifying courses. (Courses to be completed to determine eligibility for admission to the graduate program.) These courses must be completed with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They may not appear in your graduate program. I understand that any changes in this program must be made through a Course Substitution Form and must be approved by the Department of Psychology. Students s Signature Date Program Advisor Date Graduate Advisor Date

16 Program Worksheet for the Master s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Signature Advisors initials UNDERGRADUATE UNITS (Maximum of 27 units) Undergraduate Psychology (12 Units) _( )_Psych 17 Single Case Research Design () _( )_Psych 21 Psych. of Learning & Behavior () _( )_Psych 28 Intro. to Analysis of Behavior () Undergraduate replacement courses (Units) If Psych. 17, 21 or 28 was taken in undergraduate study, select one additional graduate or undergraduate course to replace each course taken. Psych ( ) Psych ( ) NOTES: GRADUATE UNITS (Minimum of 1 units) Graduate Psychology (8 Units) _( )_Psych 500 Sem: Learning and Behavior () _( )_Psych 528 Sem: In Applied Behavior Analysis () Graduate Psychology Elective ( Units) Psych 50 Adv Experimental Methods () Psych 506 Seminar in Physio. Psych () Psych 510 Sem: Abnormal Psych () Psych 511 Sem: Exp Child Psych () Psych 511 Sem: Child Psych () Psych 515 Adv Stat Methods in Psychology () Psych 522 Sem: Social Psych () Psych 52 Human Sexuality () Psych 538 Sem: In Conceptual Issues in Beh. Anly () Graduate Psychology Elective ( Units)_ If Psychology 17, 21 or 28 was taken in undergraduate Study, select one additional graduate or undergraduate Course to replace each course taken. Psych ( ) Psych ( ) Graduate replacement courses ( Units)_ (No more than 13 units taken as a graduate student.) Course Units Grade where When Counseling ( 19 Units) ( )_Coun 501 Beh. Anly in School, Home () _( )_Coun 502 Adv. Beh. Contingency Management () _( )_Coun 50 Adv. Study of Beh. Analysis in Ed. () _( )_Coun 592 Behavioral interventions () _( )_Coun 593 Practicum: Staff Devel. & Modif. (3) Thesis (8 Units) ( )_Psych 597 Graduate Research (2) _( )_Psych 599 Thesis (6) Field Work (6 Units) ( )_Psych 595 Field Experience in Psychology (3-3) TOTAL UNDERGRADUATE UNITS (12) TOTAL GRADUATE UNITS (5) TOTAL UNITS (57 MINIMUM)

17 PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETING MASTER S DEGREE 7.0 STEPS TO BECOME A CLASSIFIED GRADUATE STUDENT 7.1 Satisfy the Writing Proficiency Requirement. Students must pass the Writing Proficiency Examination during the first two quarters of their Masters Program. The examination is listed as UNIV 00 in the current Schedule of Classes. Those who do not pass this examination by the end of the second quarter in residence will be suspended from further work on their programs until they have passed the examination. 7.2 Establish an official Masters Program. The steps for accomplishing this are as follows: After receiving a letter of acceptance from the university or department, make an appointment with your mentor to discuss your enrollment status Complete the worksheet (See Section 12.0) for the Masters degree in Psychology with the assistance of your Mentor. For Marriage and Family Therapy see Dr. Anson Levine; for the Forensic Psychology program see Dr. Mitchell Eisen Return the completed worksheet to the Graduate Secretary (KH C310). Students will be notified by mail when to return to the office to sign their official program Within one quarter students will receive a letter from the Associate Dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences confirming their classification Graduate programs can be changed however, the application form (Form: GS-5) for a change must be made before the course to be substituted is completed. Students are permitted to take additional courses not on their programs No more than 13 units of graduate credit, post-bachelor s degree and prior to classified standing may be applied to a Master s program in the psychology department. These credits may be completed at CSLA or another university. No credit toward graduation is given for courses taken at a community college or courses which are not listed on the student s official program Classified standing means the student has an approved master s degree program filed in the school graduate studies office and signed by the student s mentor, department chair and Dean. 8.0 GRADUATE CORE REQUIREMENTS: Graduate core courses must be completed within the first 16 units in order to be eligible to advance to candidacy. A grade of "B" must be attained in graduate core courses to continue in the graduate program. 8.1 Research Methodology (one course). All students must choose one course from the following: PSY 11 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology, PSY 1 Analysis of Variance, PSY 17 Single Case Research Design PSY 91 Methods of Data Analysis PSY 50 Sem: Advanced Experimental Methods PSY 515 Sem: Advanced Statistical Methods Students who have completed the equivalent of these courses as an undergraduate with a grade of "B" or better, need not repeat these courses as graduate courses. The requirement must be met within the first 16 units of coursework taken or within the first two quarters. 13

18 9.0 ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY 9.1 Students should submit an Application for Advancement to Candidacy (FormGS-10) upon completing 16 units of their graduate program. These may be obtained from any of the departmental Secretaries. The 16 units of course work completed must include the graduate core courses and the WPE. In order to continue in the graduate program the student must have achieved a grade of 3.0 or better in the core courses (see catalog, pg. 605). 9.2 Only students who have been advanced to candidacy may enroll in the following courses: PSY 585 Directed Clinical Practice PSY 590 Practicum in Counseling PSY 595 Field Experience in Psychology PSY 596 Comprehensive Examination PSY 597 Graduate Research PSY 598 Directed Graduate Study, and PSY 599 Thesis 10.0 THESIS OR COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION In planning a program, students in the Master of Arts, the M.S. Forensic Option are required to submit a thesis as a culminating experience for the Masters Degree. Students in the MFT program complete a comprehensive examination The Thesis Option (PSY 597 and PSY 599) The thesis option is generally open only to students in the Master of Arts and the M.S. Forensic Option. In special cases, other students who have a faculty member willing to sponsor them may apply to do a thesis. The thesis consists of either an original empirical research project or a novel theoretical or conceptual interpretation of existing psychological thought based on material previously published. In either case, the thesis must deal with a problem of some importance to the field of psychology, in a manner that is scholarly, logical, objective, and systematic. PSY 597 The first step in the process of doing a thesis is to complete Psy 597. It is recommended that student begin thinking about their thesis topic several quarters before beginning Psy 597. During this course, the student is expected to establish a suitable topic, review pertinent literature, design their study or topic, and write a proposal. The proposal includes a statement of the proposed topic, review of literature on the topic, and, for empirical studies, a statement of hypotheses to be tested and the research methodology to be used. The student should identify two additional faculty members willing to serve on their thesis committee. The proposal should be approved by the thesis chair and by the two other committee members. The three committee members should sign a GS-12 form, this form plus a copy of your proposal must be filed in the Psychology Office by the seventh week of the quarter in which PSY 597 is taken. 1

19 Psy 599 The next step is for the student to enroll in Psy 599. Upon approval of the research design by the thesis committee, the student will undertake the thesis, working under the guidance of the thesis chair. One year from the point of first enrollment in Psy 599 is allowed to complete the thesis units. If the thesis is not completed after registering in all of the 599 units on the program (maximum=), the student must register for Psy 900 (which carries no credit) in order to complete thesis requirements and graduate. Progressively revised drafts of the thesis will be submitted to the chair of the thesis committee periodically for review and comment. The chair may, from time to time, require the student to submit copies to other members of the committee as well. The final draft must show clarity of purpose, competent critical analysis, tight organization, and originality. The presentation must be both accurate and complete. In style, it must follow the recommendations of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (latest edition). It should include a separate title page and the following sections: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY RESULTS DISCUSSION REFERENCES APPENDICES A brief summary of both the problem and results. Definition of the problem, development of the background, and statement of the study's purpose and rationale. Information and subjects, apparatus, measures and procedures. (This section and the next may not apply to a non-experimental thesis.) A complete factual statement of the findings, including any tables, figures, and statistical analyses. This section should include a thoughtful and logical analysis of the implications of the findings as well as conclusions that can be drawn, and any limitations. The references should reflect a thorough literature review of the salient literature dealing with the subject. Copying of letters, forms, measures, or other written materials used in the study. After the draft has been approved by the thesis committee, a date is fixed for the final oral defense of the thesis. An abstract and copy of the thesis should be submitted to committee members at least two weeks before the oral defense. The student is required to prepare and bring to the oral defense the following materials for committee signature: The Title Approval Page (Form GS-13) in triplicate and one copy of The Final Oral Examination Results Page. These materials are available at the psychology office. The oral defense is open to any who wish to attend. After a successful oral defense, the student must return both of the above forms to the psychology office. Final thesis corrections are made and a final typed thesis with copies are prepared for distribution. Students are advised to consult with the thesis advisor in the Library at an early date, in order to conform to the Library requirements. The original must be delivered to the University Library, in the required format, no later than the last day of final exams in the quarter of graduation. The Library also requires two original copies of the title page, with the appropriate signatures. Another bound copy of the thesis should be made for the Psychology Department Office. Additional copies, as required by committee members should be prepared as needed. 15

20 10.2 The Comprehensive Exam Option: (PSY 596 and PSY 598 for MFT Students Only) PSY 598 Students taking the comprehensive examination, will usually have 2-3 units of PSY 598 Graduate Directed Study on their programs which provides an opportunity for guidance of work done in preparation for the examination. The student should complete their PSY 598 units under faculty supervision during the quarter prior to enrolling in the comprehensive exams. Typically, students will work independently with their advisor who will guide their study, recommend reading materials and give feedback on their preparation. For more information students should consult Dr. Brigitte Matthies. The Comprehensive Examination in the MFT program consists of two areas: 1. A Multiple Choice Exam covering broad principles of psychology as a scientific discipline. 2. Essays on Clinical Vignettes covering issues of diagnostics, therapy, ethics, judgement and the law. The examination is given on two successive days, during Spring and Fall quarters only, in sessions lasting three hours each day. The first day, covers areas one; the second day covers area two. The student is required to write on two clinical vignettes. Each examination response will be scored on a pass/fail basis, being read independently by at least two professors. To pass the examination, a student must receive "pass" scores from both professors on two of the four questions. In the case of a split evaluation on a comps question, a third reader will be asked to evaluate the question. A student who successfully passes two questions on a particular day but does not pass overall, does not have to repeat the portion passed on a subsequent sitting. A student who enters the examination room, and then leaves without attempting an answer, will be considered to have "sat" for that examination. The comprehensive examination must be passed within three sittings. Students may have no more than one course remaining to complete on their graduate program following the quarter in which they first take the comprehensive examination. Students must formally apply to take the examination the quarter before it is scheduled. This is done by filing an application with the graduate secretary of the Psychology Department. They must also register for PSY 596 (0) during the quarter in which they expect to take the examination. Those who subsequently wish to withdraw from taking the examination without penalty may do so no later than the scheduled date of the examination by notifying the graduate secretary. The faculty will from time to time prepare up-to-date lists of suggested readings to assist students in preparing for the examination. However, students are expected to show an acceptable breadth of mastery in the field, acquired not only from the lists of recommended readings, but also from class work. 16